When shopping with friends we usually end up in a fabric or craft store. On Veteran’s Day we were shopping in Intercourse, PA and came across Zook’s Fabric Store. (Some say the best in Pennsylvania, but I really can’t say as I haven’t visited all the fabric stores in PA ~ yet.)
They had a selection of fabric panels for kids 
and one was Thomas the Tank Engine ~ a favorite of my grandson. (He’s 2.) I found a backing fabric, in blue, of various train engines and quickly put together the quilt, stitching wherever I wanted around the various ‘Thomas’ images.
It took about an hour and a half from start to finish. I clipped the edges after trimming back the batting and a quick play quilt was made for a very active little boy.
It’s not meant to be kept ’safe’ but to be played with. I bought 2 panels, thinking I’d make pillows from one, but I changed my mind and made one for Ethan’s cousin who also loves ‘Thomas’, but the backing fabric is yellow, with apples and bumble bees. They’ll have a great time playing together with them.
Some time this year buy a panel or two and make a play quilt for a child in your life, then make one to give or donate.